Scent
as a social communication tool
Smell is a strong communication tool that
allows us to recall memories, feel emotions or open an unconscious association.
Both commercial and non-commercial parties are increasingly discovering the
added value of scent in printed communication.
This also applies to Taskforce RIEC Brabant-Zeeland. As early as 2015, in collaboration with scent marketing agency SmartNose, a first 'sniff card' was developed in which one could smell the scent of a drug lab; a sickly, sweet odor produced by the manufacture of synthetic drugs such as amphetamine (speed). This characteristic smell is often unknown, which was a missed opportunity in terms of identifying and detecting illegal drug labs. The aim of the odor campaign is therefore, on one side, to create awareness about synthetic drug labs, and on the other to activate recognition of this odor and thus promote the detection of illegal drug labs.
The scent card is distributed to both investigating officers and civilians.
Further
development
Due to the success of the previous scent card, Taskforce-RIEC Brabant-Zeeland has also released an XTC scent card, with the specific scent of an XTC lab. In May 2019, this theme was also picked up by the Public Prosecution Service and launched the national campaign: 'XTC, there's a smell to it'. This campaign received a lot of attention and made the front page of many news sources. And with success: the police have already received dozens of anonymous reports about suspicious locations where a possible drug lab is said to be active, and where the reporter mentions that he/she smells and recognizes the scent of the XTC scent card.
Technic
The developed scent is constructed in such a way that it resembles real XTC labs, but the scent itself is completely safe. Using a special encapsulation technique, the scent is 'trapped' on the scent card in tiny capsules. When one rubs the card, a small amount of fragrance is released. The card can be used several times and will last for at least one year.
Order
the XTC scent cards
It is now also possible to order the special scent cards yourself, to be able to distribute in your region. The cards can be ordered from 500 pieces for € 0.99 each.